A busy day today as our department is preparing for a 2-day Termly Increment (TI, or for those of you familiar with Agile – PI) planning session starting tomorrow. More on that subject over the next two days I’m sure!
Our Director sent out his newsletter today and what he had to say about ChatGPT and the future of AI gave food for thought. One concept that the use of AI has helped to advance is Virtual Reality (VR), something I was curious to experience. I heard about the Horizon of Khufu immersive expedition installation at Westfield Stratford City and was keen to try it out.
As well as my interest in the natural world I’m also fascinated by ancient civilisations and have visited Inca, Maya and Egyptian sites, including the pyramids of Giza. I wanted to see how real it felt and whether the VR environment was able to capture the atmosphere of the site, and I’m pleased to say it more than delivered on all fronts!
Following a virtual tour guide you enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, I was excited to see what was inside as I wasn’t able to do this when I was there in person. Once you have explored the chambers the interior of the pyramid is stripped away and you are almost overwhelmed at the immense space within the structure, and marvel at how the ancient Egyptians managed to construct it. After ascending to the top of the pyramid, you are transported back 4,500 years across the sandy plain to witness King Khufu’s funeral.
I really was amazed at how brilliantly they brought the history to life in both the images and running commentary and totally loved the whole experience – an hour well spent!
Elizabeth Mooney 
You’ll never have to go abroad soon, just use VR! Charles x
LikeLiked by 1 person